Slides in this set

Slide 1

Slide 2

Chapter 6The constitution Constitutions · A constitution sets out the laws, rules and practices by which a state is governed, specifying the powers of the governing institutions and the formal relationships between them, and the relationship between citizens and the state · The constitution provides the framework for the political system, establishing the main institutions of government and determining where decision-making authority resides · It also spells out the relationship between the state and its citizens and sets out, and guarantees, citizens' basic rights…read more

Slide 3

Chapter 6The constitution Codified and uncodified constitutions · A codifed constitution is one in which the major principles underpinning the political system are collected in a single authoritative document · An uncodified constitution has no single source for these principles, rather, they are found in a number of places · Sometimes uncodified constitutions are described as unwritten, but in practice, they usually contain important written elements…read more

Slide 4

Chapter 6The constitution Key terms · Bill of rights: an authoritative statement of the rights of citizens, often entrenched as part of a codified constitution · Entrenched: secured; difficult to change · Fundamental law: law derived from decisions in court cases and general customs · Judicial review: the power of senior judges to review the actions of government and public authorities · Limited government: a system in which the powers of government are subject to legal constraints, and checks and balances within the political system…read more

Slide 5

Chapter 6The constitution Sources of the UK constitution · Statute law · Common law · Convention · Authoritative works · EU law Key term to know: Royal prerogative…read more

Slide 6

Chapter 6The constitution Principles of the UK constitution · Parliamentary sovereignty · The rule of law · The unitary state · Parliamentary government in a constitutional monarchy…read more